Kids Care

Your child has unique dental needs – even in the early stages of development. Jackson Pediatric Dentistry is designed to give your child access to a variety of treatments and care so that any issue can be addressed. Our goal is to set your child on the pathway toward a lifetime of good oral health by giving him or her a strong foundation. Here are some examples of the treatments available for your child.

Fillings

When any decay is removed from your child's tooth, the natural shape of the tooth is restored, and the natural structure of the tooth is protected by the placement of a filling. In most instances, a tooth-colored resin composite will be the material used for the restoration. Special cases will require the use of silver amalgam.

Crowns

When damage, injury, or decay doesn't leave enough tooth structure to hold a filling, or when a tooth is at high risk for future cavity development, a crown is the appropriate restoration that gives your child back both form and function. Pediatric crowns are placed and permanently cemented over the remaining natural baby tooth structure. Your child's smile will look complete and feel natural to him or her.

Pulp Therapy

Pulp therapy (also known in pediatric dentistry as a "baby root canal") addresses issues with the internal structure of the tooth, where the pulp (made up of the nerve and blood vessels) is located. Often, these issues cause discomfort or pain when eating or trying to sleep, and pulp therapy will give your child relief and will restore his or her ability to chew without trouble.

The most commonly used pulp therapy is called a pulpotomy. During this treatment, the affected nerve tissue in the crown of the tooth is removed. The goal is to maintain the vitality of the baby tooth. Although used less often, a pulpectomy is done when the entire pulp of the tooth is infected. The pulp from the crown, as well as the roots, is removed. The goal of a pulpectomy is to keep the tooth in the mouth for as long as possible, avoiding or delaying extraction.

In either case, after the pulp is removed, the space is filled with an inert material to maintain the structure of the tooth. Finally, a crown restores the functional shape of the tooth, recompleting your child's beautiful smile.

Extractions

Sometimes the best treatment for your child's long-term dental health involves a tooth extraction. A tooth extraction can serve many purposes, from removing the source of infection which could potentially harm the developing permanent tooth to making room for new "adult" teeth to come in properly. Under Dr. Jackson's care, a tooth extraction is a gentle procedure. You and your child will be informed every step of the way so that there is no "fear of the unknown." Remember, your child eventually loses each primary tooth naturally, so he or she will have little trouble adjusting to the missing tooth. Every young smile is different. When it comes to a tooth extraction for your child, Dr. Jackson will explain the specific circumstances and goals for his or her smile.

Space Maintenance

Space maintainers are metal appliances custom fit for your child's mouth. When baby teeth are lost too soon due to trauma or decay, the other teeth around that area will start to move and fill in the space left by the missing tooth. This is called "space loss." If the teeth are not prevented from shifting, there will not be adequate space for the eruption of the permanent tooth. This often leads to the need for extensive orthodontic treatment. The goal of space maintenance is to hold open that space providing a path for the natural eruption of the developing permanent tooth.

Cleanings

Good home-care habits are vital to your child's oral health, and bi-yearly cleanings are essential to maintaining his or her smile. During your child's bi-yearly check-up and cleaning, Dr. Jackson will remove plaque and buildup that regular brushing and flossing can miss. She will also examine the development of your child's teeth to ensure continued dental health and will offer wise council about at-home care that you and your child can understand and implement in his or her daily routine.

Fluoride

Although drinking water, toothpaste, and many mouthwashes contain fluoride, regular dentist-supervised fluoride treatments are vital in strengthening your child's teeth. With Dr. Jackson's supervision, a fluoride varnish or foam can be applied to your child's teeth. This fluoride inhibits the loss of minerals and helps boost the re-mineralization process (strengthening of weakened areas of the tooth), making your child's teeth strong and more resistant to decay. In some cases, it is important that your child not eat or drink for a time after receiving the treatment. We will provide specific instructions.

Sealants

A dental sealant refers to the application of a clear/white plastic material that acts as a barrier between food and the chewing surface of your child's teeth, protecting those surfaces against decay. Children often struggle to brush effectively, especially when it comes to back teeth. Throw in the fact that many children have a diet high in sugary snacks, and it's easy to see why sealant treatment can be valuable in preserving and protecting your child's teeth.